9/27/14, Returning to the Southern Caribbean

[sdlong329]

SHERATON OLD SAN JUAN - GROUP RATE HOTEL UPDATE: updated 9/4/2014
THE WEBSITE PORTAL IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS. Guests who have booked a room are reminded to review all terms in the first and second post of this thread, as no reservations may be cancelled. Enjoy!

https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/res?id=1402178639&key=D2FB3

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GROUP DINING / MAIN DINING ROOM: updated 9/4/2014

1st MDR seating: If anyone sitting is interested in being seated with other DISers in the 1st seating, please post a message on DISboards (AND send me a private message) ... indicating the number of adults, and number of children (with ages for children). We currently have a family of four who would like to sit with other DISer's.

2nd MDR seating: Currently, we have TWELVE adults who are interested in being seated with other DISers. We have grouped the first eight together (two each: Meyers, Robinson, Long and Fallaw). We have space for up to four more guests at a second table. Both tables will be seated near / next to each other. We will be securing one of Disney's FINEST MDR server's for your enjoyment.

If anyone else would like to be seated with either of the above groups, please post a message on DISboards (AND send me a private message) ... indicating 1st or 2nd dining, number of adults, number of children (with ages for children). I will follow-up with you via DISboards private messaging.


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EMBARKATION DAY:

MEET-n-GREET updated 9/4/2014
Mark you cruise itinerary for our Meet-n-Greet at Promenade Lounge, 3-5PM on embarkation day. If you will not be on the ship at 3PM, get there when you can. We will close the Meet-n-Greet at 5PM, in order to prepare for the Muster Drill.

HOPPING ON / OFF THE SHIP IN OLD SAN JUAN updated 9/4/2014
In mid-April, DCL indicated, "if you check in and go on board, you will not be able to leave the ship." Apparently, DCL has reversed this decision, and will permits guests to leave the ship. According to the latest rumor and speculation, two muster drills will be held ... the first at 5PM (ish) on embarkation day. There is talk of a second MUSTER DRILL to be held, either Saturday evening @ 10:15PM, or Sunday morning @ 10:15AM. Maritime Law requires you to participate in one of these drills.

Please make sure you are ONBOARD the ship by 9:30PM ... otherwise, we will miss you!


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PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOU AND YOUR CRUISE PARTY ...
Please take a moment to COPY the following six (6) lines ... click POST REPLY, then PASTE as a new message (deleting the RED verbiage and replacing it with information about you and your party).

1) Number of adults / children in your group: 2 adults (one acts like a child)
2) Names of adults in your group: Steven & Donna
3) Ages of children in your party (at your discretion): none
4) General location of where you currently live: Suburban Philadelphia
5) Castaway Club Level: Platinum
6) Disney Vacation Club owner?: Since 1994


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ITINERARY ...updated 5/29/2014
SAT 9/27/14: Depart San Juan; 10:00PM
SUN 9/28/14: SEA DAY (Formal Night)
MON 9/29/14: St. John's, Antigua; 7:00 AM - 4:45PM
TUE 9/30/14: Castries, St. Lucia; 7:15 AM - 4:45PM (Pirate Night)
WED 10/1/14: St. George's, Grenada; 7:00AM - 4:45PM
THU 10/2/14: Bridgetown, Barbados; 7:00AM - 4:45PM (Semi-Formal Night)
***As per http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbados#Law
- "In Barbados, camouflage clothing is reserved for military use, being forbidden for civilians, including children, to wear."
FRI 10/3/14: Basseterre, St. Kitts; 12:00Noon - 5:30PM
SAT 10/4/14: Disembark San Juan, 7:00AM

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AIR FARE UPDATE updated 3/10/2014

Air fare got-cha down? Does your favorite airline fly EVERYWHERE but San Juan? Here's an idea ... if your normal travel plans are suffering a bump in the road (either from sticker shock, or inability to get to San Juan) ... consider booking two separate flights? Why? It sometimes make financial sense to break up your flight into two separate flights (different than two segments). If you favorite airline can get you to Orlando, Tampa, Miami or Fort Lauderdale with convenience and/or with a great fare (or air miles) ... consider flying from home to Florida as normal ... then book Florida to San Juan (and vice versa) on Southwest Airlines (one way flights can range from about $125 - $175+/- pp). Some have found it saves them $$$, while also enabling them to spend a day or two in WDW (or elsewhere in sunny Florida) ... either pre or post cruise ... all with little fanfare or adjustment from their normal travels!


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WE HAVE A FACEBOOK PAGE! updated 8/29/2014
It's a closed page, which means you must ASK to be added to the group. If you are sailing on the 9/27/14 Southern Caribbean Cruise, please first introduce yourself on this DISboards thread (see above sample guideline) ... then go to the Facebook page to ask to be added. Once you ask to be added (on FB), a message will be sent to the administrators via Facebook. One of the administrators will confirm your existence on DIS, then accept your request on FB. If we do not see you have posted on this DISboards thread, we will not accept your request to join the FB page. Please allow 48 - 96 hours hours (usually much less) for an administrator to process your request. If we see you posted an INTRODUCTION message on this DISboards thread AND we can match your name in the DISboards introduction to the name on your FB request, your FB invitation will be granted!

*** Some have asked, WHY must we post on DISboards, in order to join the FB page? There are a few reasons ...
1) The Facebook thread is an extension of DISboards ... it does not replace DISboards.
2) We do not want spammers to interfere with our posts on FB. Unfortunately, there are far too many people who join a FB thread to post stuff for sale (via a robot), or who post links for spam and malware purposes.

Pirates of The Southern Caribbean, Part Deux Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/211550048986978

Should you encounter any issues accessing our Facebook page (ie: cannot find proper link, or, 24+ hours without being added to FB), please send a PM via DISboards, to either of the Facebook ADMIN's ... mom x4,grandma x4 or SDLong329. Please bear with us ... it may take 1 or 2 days to catch up from time to time.


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DISboards PRIVATE MESSAGING
In order to be able to send or receive PRIVATE MESSAGES on DISboards, you must first have posted 10 separate messages on DISboards. In the past, others have posted a series of small, quick public messages on DISboards, in order to build up their thread-post count. If you wish to increase your DISboards thread-post count, consider posting separate DISboards messages with small tid-bits of information, such as:
- In one post, tell us how many Disney Cruises you have been on previously, or if the is your first DCL cruise.
- Once you post that message, begin another message, telling us what other cruise lines you have sailed on previously, if any.
- Once that message has posted, tell us why you selected Disney Cruise Line ...
- Next message ... tell us why you selected the Southern Caribbean itinerary
- Next message ... ask a general question of those of us on DISboards. It could be related to sue use of Facebook, DIS, or cruising in general.
- Keep posting quick messages, until you get to TEN posts ... at which point, you will be able to send and receive DISboards PRIVATE MESSAGES.


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FISH EXTENDER'S (FE's) updated 8/26/2014
If you want to sign up for FE's, send a PM to Melissa (DISboards userIDMaji31). Please include names of adults in your stateroom, stateroom number (or GTY), as well as e-mail address. For those with children, please indicate names and age(s) of children at time of the cruise (optional - DS for Darling Son, DD for Darling Daughter). Please note FOOD ALLERGIES for anyone in your stateroom! The FE list will be e-mailed when ready.

While I am not participating in FE's on this cruise, I wanted to remind guests to consider donating extra or duplicate FE's. Sometimes, guests will have extra undistributed FE's, receive duplicate FE's, or may receive items for which they have no use. Instead of throwing them away ... consider donating them to your stateroom hosts or servers ... even if the FE's are for children. Many of the cast members have children, or are friends with other cast members with children. It is not unusual for cast members to take home trinkets for their children. Alternatively, you may consider giving extra / duplicate FE's to children of guests ... though I strongly suggest you first ask their parent for permission.


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SHIPBOARD MEET-N-GREET ... plus PIN TRADING updated 8/26/2014
A DIS Meet-n-Greet will take place at the Promenade Lounge on embarkation day, starting at 3PM. Feel free to show up when you are available. Since some guests are not expected to board the ship prior to lunch, guests may arrive closer to 4PM, or thereafter. There is no scheduled ending time, but remember to participate in the muster drill, which is believed to start at 5PM on embarkation day.

Since our cruise will have a single Sea Day, Pin Traders should consider bringing their pins to the Meet-n-Greet.


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DCL SPECIAL SERVICES updated 3/19/2014

For guests, or those traveling with guests who require special needs ... whether it be medical, vision, hearing, ambulatory (etc) ... read on:

DCL Special Services is a small group of DCL personnel, who work with shore side services, to make your DCL stateroom more accommodating, to suit your special needs, where applicable. This do NOT mean they will arrange for a birthday cake, or Bon Voyage banner for you. Rather, guests with severe sight restrictions ... severe hearing restrictions ... mobility issues ... medical issues ... DCL Special Services MAY be able to help. Here are a few examples:

1) Do you require a sharps containers for syringes?

2) For those with severe sight issues ...
a) it may be possible to have bulbs in some existing light fixtures upgraded to a higher wattage.
b) it may be possible to request an enlarged version of the Daily Navigator.
b) it may be possible to request BOOK SENSE ... a portable, electronic device which is delivered nightly, in lieu of your Daily Navigator. A cast member personally records all events of the Daily Navigator, by voice, to suit your needs (you may choose to omit certain sections - as an example, if you do not have kids, they will omit kids activities, at your request - check with the Officer in charge of Book Sense once you board the Magic). Currently, you cannot request the enlarged Navigator PLUS Book Sense ... but you are able to change methods during the cruise, if your needs change, or if you would like to try another service.

3) For those with special mobility issues, it may be possible to have some furniture removed prior to embarkation (ie: removal of a night stand, steamer trunk, table/stool @ love seat).

4) If you require a wheelchair or scooter, please FIRST check with your Travel Agent. DCL Special Service does not provide rental services, but rather, may refer you to contractors and merchants who meet Disney requirements. Remember, Disney now requires wheelchairs, walkers and scooters to be moved within each stateroom ... they may no longer be left in stateroom hallways. If you are obtaining a scooter from a 3rd party or local merchant, MAKE SURE they know the scooter must be able to be FOLDED, and is able to fit through the stateroom door.

Please contact DCL Special Services at 407/566-3602 AT LEAST 60 days prior to sailing (there is much to coordinate between the ship and shore side). No service is ever guaranteed, but DCL Special Services will work with merchants on shore, to accommodate special needs, where/when available. Please understand, some of these special services may not be available when sailing from special ports (ie: Mediterranean, Galveston, Miami, San Juan, etc) ... as DCL may have to outsource special assistance.

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SHIPBOARD INTERNET PRICING STRUCTURE: updated 1/28/2014

DCL is changing their pricing structure for the internet - it will be based on data used rather than time spent online. Fees for the internet will be based on DATE USED instead of time spent online. These changes will take effect on the Disney Magic on 2/3/14, the Disney Dream on 2/16/14, the Disney Wonder 2/26/14, and the Disney Fantasy on 3/8/14.

New pricing:
Pay as you go - $0.25/megabyte
Small package - 100 megabytes for $19 ($0.19/megabyte)
Medium package - 300 megabytes for $39 ($0.13 per megabyte)
Large package - 1,000 megabytes for $80 ($0.09 per megabyte)
Concierge guests in Cat S, T, and V will get 100 free megabytes of internet.
Concierge guests in Cat R will get free internet for the length of the cruise.

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CREATE A DISboards SIGNATURE: updated 8/29/2014

If you use a screen name, acronym or other abbreviated userID on DISboards, please consider creating and using a SIGNATURE with your first name (and perhaps your home town and state) on your posts. Please click on http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=85 ... then click on USER CP (upper / left corner). Once the page refreshes, search for Edit Signature listed under Settings & Options (left side of the page).

As an example, my "signature" (listed below, which starts with Steven & Donna) lists my DCL Castaway Club, DVC membership, home town, as well as and past cruises.

 

[sdlong329]

TOURISM LINKS:

San Juan - Brightly colored buildings and a history which stretches back to the Conquistadors
www.sanjuantourismcenter.com or www.topuertorico.org
www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g147320-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico-Vacations.html

St Kitts - A small volcanic island in the West Indies is home to windswept beaches, a thriving rainforest and age-old historic sites
www.stkittstourism.kn

Antigua - Discover gorgeous beaches, a lush rainforest and a myriad of fascinating historic sites amid this sun-kissed paradise
www.antigua-barbuda.org

St Lucia - A picturesque volcanic island, home to sweeping beaches and more mountainous terrain than most islands in the Caribbean
www.stlucia.org

Grenada - A mountainous island paradise home to pristine beaches and a tropical rainforest amid this "Island of Spice"
www.grenadagrenadines.com or www.gogrenada.gd

Barbados - The most populated island in the Caribbean, Barbados has a British colonial past and an idyllic climate
www.visitbarbados.org or www.barbados.org
- According to http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_to_wear_in_barbados, swimwear is restricted to beaches/pools (wear a t-shirt and shorts/skirt when going into town, etc). Most restaurants require male diners to wear a shirt with a collar and trousers (not jeans). It is also suggested to wear deck shoes or rubber wetsuit shoes when going in the sea, as there are sea urchins which hurt like mad if you step on them. If you do, get some lime on it ASAP (locals or bars will be happy to help).


Why not check out the links above, and sign up for e-information?
You might also consider looking up the various island tourism sites on Facebook - LIKE them - to get periodic information!

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SAN JUAN INFORMATION:


TAXI TRANSPORTATION from San Juan airport, to Sheraton OSJ and the pier updated 3/7/2014

1) San Juan - Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located in Carolina, Puerto Rico, three miles southeast of San Juan. There are two types of taxis in the San Juan Airport district; Touristic cabs and regular cabs. In general, touristic cabs charge by the zone and number of bags. Regular cabs are metered. There is a link to the touristic taxi web site in English. Note that their web site uses the term "LMM" for San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
http://www.cabspr.com/

2) San Juan Airport and Cruise Ship Ports: There is a taxi kiosk when you step outside the airport building. The cost to go to the cruise ship ports (per cab) is between USD $20 and $30. The attendant at the kiosk will give you the exact price and will write it down for the taxi driver (however, a fuel charge of $1.50 may be added). Use the same procedure in reverse to get to the airport from the cruise ship ports.

3) Those who may want a larger taxi (other than a sedan or mini-van) may wish to contact Puerto Rico Shuttle, to inquire about larger vans. Transportation is available via shared rides (you share the van with others), or, you may opt to rent the entire van for your private party. I believe renting the van for your private party would be @ $85 (airport to Old San Juan, and vice-versa). This may be beneficial for those travlling with a larger party, or those who do not want to split up into separate taxi's. *** I have no personal experience with this shuttle service.
http://puertoricoshuttle.com/



Old San Juan GROUP HOTEL RATE updated 3/3/2014
DISers have selected Sheraton Old San Juan (Sheraton OSJ) as the hotel of choice, partly because of its quality, as well as its proximity to the port.

HILIGHTS: $159 USD per night (room available Monday, September 22 - Friday, September 26, 2014); 230SF King Room, standard view (views of the port are not available). All bookings must be completed 75 days prior to 9/22/14. The hotel will not book rooms under this program past this point. Rooms booked under GROUP RATES generally cannot be bumped. The resort reserves the right to close the booking window at any time - so please do not wait until the last minute! More details and explanation as follows:

1) Reservations cannot be cancelled, and will be made via a special booking portal created for our group (see first post - above).

2) Sheraton OSJ requires a TWO NIGHT MINIMUM when booking a FRIDAY or SATURDAY night stay.
2a) With our GROUP RATE, the two night minimum is WAIVED ... accordingly, those booking in our group rate are able to book a single weekend night, and are NOT required to stay two nights, unless you prefer to do so.

3) Sheraton OSJ true Rack Rate for weekdays is currently $197.10 (FRI & SAT = $207.10) (prepaid) during our travel period.
3a) As of 1/13/14, a PROMOTIONAL rate of $189 (prepaid) is available during our travel period.
3b) As of 1/13/14, the rate for AAA and AARP is $197 (prepaid) during our travel period.
3c) It is not uncommon for Sheraton to offer online promotions, which may provide alternate pricing.
3d) As is the case with MOST Travel websites, Sheraton's website EXCLUDES taxes and resort fees.
3e) Sheraton OSJ *may* impose a RESORT FEE if/when rooms are booked through Sheraton, or a Travel website.
3f) Our Group Rate is available Monday through Friday night (September 22 - 26, 2014) at $159.00 USD (prepaid), plus taxes and gratuities. Resort Fees will NOT be imposed when booking through our Group Rate.

4) Sheraton OSJ charges taxes and gratuities to each room stay.
4a) Our Room Rate is $159.00 USD. Mandatory gratuities INCLUDE $5 per night for bellhop services, and $1 per night for housekeeping. Accordingly, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TIP YOUR BELLHOP to deliver your luggage to your room, or pick up luggage for check-out. After adding sales tax and hotel tax, the total for a one night GROUP RATE stay is less than $207.20 USD.



CVS PHARMACY - convenient location in Old San Juan updated 5/29/2014
CVS - Building 105 Gilberto Conception De Store #7979
Phone (787) 725-2500; Hours: 7AM - Midnight

- Located 1 block from Sheraton OSJ and the Cruise Terminal
- Pharmacy, general merchandise AND alcohol is available for purchase

Walking instructions (from the port, or from Sheraton Old San Juan):
- Standing in front of the Sheraton Old San Juan (at main lobby / Chicago Grille Restaurant) facing the ocean ... TURN RIGHT ... walk one block. CVS is located next to the Ralph Lauren store



San Juan Meet-n-Greet(s) updated 8/29/2014
We have tentative plans to arrange one or two informal Meet-n-Greets somewhere in or near Old San Juan, prior to sailing. Ideally, one at restaurant such as Café Puerto Rico (Old San Juan, near the clocks), or Viejo San Juan ... for a taste of MOFONGO.

http://http://www.cafepuertorico.com/intro.html
http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_San_Juan,_Puerto_Rico
http://www.casabacardi.org



DISNEY CRUISE BLOG review of Bacardi Distillery Tour: updated 8/29/2014
http://disneycruiselineblog.com/2013/05/casa-bacardi-rum-distillery-tour-san-juan-puerto-rico/
*** Someone has reported the Bacardi Distillery sustained a fire recently. I am not sure if they will be open for tours during our presence.


TIPS ON WANDERING AROUND OLD SAN JUAN ...
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico is a vibrant mixture of old and new& of colors, scents and flavors, all safely packaged in a 7 square block area. Separated by modern San Juan by only a short bridge crossing, Old San Juan is like a self-contained world, a true get-away, and whether stepping off of a plane or a cruise ship one is immediately immersed in a different culture, and transported to a different time.

First settled in 1508, Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan) is not a recreation of historical sites, it is the real deal. Along with the ancient forts of El Morrow and Castillo San Cristobal, authentic blue cobblestone streets and glittering Spanish churches, all dating from the 16th and 17th century, you will find a plethora of shops, museums, art galleries, jewelry designers, open air cafes, and plazas. Near the piers visit the famous Senior Frog or Don Q Rum, or mosey up to the trendy So Fo area at South Fortaleza Street, just south of Plaza de Colon. Here you will find your ideal destination for nightlife, and some of the nicer outdoor dining options.

Spanish roots are strong in Old San Juan and if traveling to this area it would be wise to learn a bit of travel necessary Spanish before arriving. In the shops expect prices to be similar to other tourist areas in the Caribbean, but expect shopping options to be exceptional! The west side of the island contains some particularly impressive art galleries, and scattered throughout the entire island are incredibly talented furniture and jewelry designers. Coach and Polo Ralph Lauren have a presence in Old San Juan, and if shopping is your thing the largest shopping mall in the entire Caribbean (Plaza Las Americas) is located not too far away, across the bridge to modern San Juan.is located not too far away, across the bridge to modern San Juan.

Many businesses in Old San Juan close on Mondays, restaurants as well, and most shops on any day are closed by 6:00 or 7:00 PM if no cruise ships are in port. If coming from a cruise ship you can access just about anywhere on the island by hopping on one of the free open-air trolleys which run every 15 minutes or so. For a nice walk turn left when exiting the piers and enjoy the Paseo de la Princesa, a smooth seaside walkway where artisans gather on weekends to sell their handiwork. This promenade of sorts will provide you with a ground level view of the towering city walls, the Atlantic Ocean, and will take you right through the city gate into the highly prized west side. Once through the gate stunning panoramic ocean views (and photo opportunities!) are easy to locate on the north, south and west side of the island& and have no fear if you linger until after dark. Old San Juan, with a little travel sense, is a very safe place, even at night.

Old San Juan is filled with shady plazas. These parks are a favorite gathering place and none more visited than Plaza de Armas, which on weekends becomes a huge party for all ages when the live musicians arrive. All plazas light up at night, their trees shimmering with moving and stationary lights, all helping to make Old San Juan seem so alive, so vibrant, just like the people who reside there. Every day is worthy of celebration in their minds, and they do so without reservation. Despite the many tourists who invade their streets they live their lives peacefully and with respect. The young men feel no need to be obscene, and the cleverly concealed and frequent trash bins are used more often than not. People from Old San Juan know how to enjoy life and their sense of ease, community, and consideration for others is refreshing to experience.

For some hidden gems in Old San Juan stop by St. Germain, located on Calle del Sol, for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. They offer excellent food at very reasonable prices and stay open late. For free souvenirs visit Old San Juans Hidden beach, just across from the Capitol Building. This often missed and normally deserted beach is not ideal for swimming but is covered with sea glass! All shapes, sizes and colors are free for the taking! For the perfect ending to your adventure stop in at Anam Spa, just across from Pigeon Park on Calle del Cristo. Their 15 minute foot soak and massage, while sipping a free sangria, is sheer bliss for tired feet. Along with a Fudge Brownie Ala Mode and a prized cup Puerto Rican coffee at St. Germains, there is no better way to end a day of sightseeing in captivating Old San Juan.



FREE Trolley Service ... updated 1/14/14
Old San Juan now has a free trolley service to help you get around the city. The trolley runs Monday through Friday from 7:00am until 7:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am until 7:00pm. Just stand at any of the marked trolley stop signs and wait for the next trolley to come along. You can get off at any marked trolley stop.

These trolleys are strictly free transportation. They are not "tour" or "sight-seeing" trolleys. There is no tour guide to explain what you're seeing. But having said that, the trolleys are a nice way to see an overview of the city. They are not the fastest way to get around in the city the best way to get around and see more is on foot. But they are convenient when you are hot and tired, or physically unable to walk the steep streets. Please refer to the following link for additional information:
http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/free-trolley-old-san-juan/



PLACES OF INTEREST at / near San Juan port (includes Old San Juan):
- San Juan Bautista Cathedral - 0.3 miles
- San Juan National Historic Site - 0.8 miles
- Bacardi Head Quarters - 1.8 miles
- Escambrón Beach - 0.4 miles
- San Cristobal Castle - 0.4 miles
- Former San Juan Navy Base - 1.1 miles
- San José Church - 0.4 miles
- Casa Blanca - 0.5 miles
- Fort San Felipe del Morro - 0.9 miles
- El Canuelo - 1.6 miles



Monuments, Museums, Markets & Parks at / near San Juan port:
- Ponce de Leon Statue - 0.4 miles
- La Rogativa Statue - 0.4 miles
- National Guard Museum - 0.7 miles
- Old San Juan Organic Farmers Market - 0.4 miles
- Museum of San Juan - 0.3 miles
- Museum of the Americas - 0.5 miles
- Tercer Milenio Park 0.4 miles
- Munoz Rivera Park 1.5 miles
- Bacardi Rum Distillery 1.6 miles by ferry updated 8/29/2014
- The Bacardi Distillery does not charge a fee for tours. Tours are available Monday Saturday, 9AM - 6PM (last tour departs @ 4:30PM). Sunday tours are available 10A - 5PM (last tour @ 3:45pm). Tours are held most every day, but closed on a handful of local and national holidays. Please allow 2-3 hours for the tour, plus some time in the bar and gift shop. Website: www.casabacardi.org Phone: 787-788-8400. Directions: From Old San Juan, take the ferry from Pier 2 to Catano, for $0.50 pp, each way. When you arrive in Catano, go to the right for a taxi to the factory for about $3.00 pp each way. *** Someone has reported the Bacardi Distillery sustained a fire recently. I am not sure if they will be open for tours during our presence.



OTHER Puerto Rico points of interest: updated 2/6/14
- El Yunque Rain Forest (maintained by the US Forest Service) - http://www.elyunque.com/about.html
- Arecibo Observatory (William Gordon Telescope) - http://www.naic.edu/general



Sunrise & Sunset:
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Embark Disney Magic, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Sunrise 06:48, Sunset 18:45

Saturday, October 4, 2014
Disembark Disney Magic, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Sunrise 06:55, Sunset 18:34

Average Temperatures & Precipitation:
September
* Average High: 89 F
* Average Low: 78 F
* Precipitation: 5.77" / month

October
* Average High: 89 F
* Average Low: 77 F
* Precipitation: 5.59" / month


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ONBOARD SPA GRATUITIES: updated 8/29/2014

As of 6/13/13, DCL has indicated an 18% gratuity will AUTOMATICALLY be applied to ALL Spa Services (excludes Rainforest). I am not sure if guests will have the ability to modify or remove the gratuity. Hopefully, we can learn more as time progresses.


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A NOTE FROM DCL, REGARDING STATEROOM DOOR DECORATIONS

"More and more guests are choosing to express their family pride and enthusiasm for Disney Cruise Line by decorating their stateroom doors aboard our ships. As you might imagine, it is very important to us to keep our facilities looking their best for all our guests. As part of our commitment to this area of focus, we ask that guests no longer affix anything to their stateroom door utilizing any adhesive or tape.

We have found that these adhesives damage the finish on the stateroom doors and therefore ask that guests limit door decoration to those of the magnetic variety."

Disney Cruise Line ALSO asks for guests to refrain from using over-the-door storage devices, especially those which are made of metal. Some of these devices (even those with plastic hangers / hooks) have been known to marr the finish of doors. I have found there is more than ample storage and display space in the bathrooms of the classic ships ... even when occupied by four adults.

Most guests don't realize the adhesive or tape will marr or damage the finish ... until it's too late. It takes time, energy and effort for cast members to repair the finish ... not to mention ... it doesn't look good for the next guest occupying that stateroom. Please use two-sided magnets ... available at most home craft stores (A.C. Moore, etc).


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A NOTE FROM DCL, REGARDING POWER STRIPS AND EXTENSION CORDS updated 3/4/14

As posted bu THE DIS on 3/3/14: Power strips, extension cords and other such devices are no longer permitted on any of the Disney Cruise Line ships. There will be extension cords available at Guest Services that can be borrowed for a $50 deposit. These will be available on a first come first served basis. If a guest needs one for a CPAP or medical device, one will be made available.


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DCL BEER MUG PROGRAM

DCL has a program where you can get 22 ounces of draft beer for the price of 16 ounces ... in a very nice, commemorative (heavy) glass mug. The program works like this:
- For $14.95 (current pricing), you get a tall, glass mug with DCL logo (available at almost all bar locations or bar tenders). The $14.95 will include a draft beer of your choice (draft beer selection may vary by location).
- When you are done with your beer, you may turn in the beer to any DCL bar, where then will give you a DCL beer card. The beer card may be redeemed at any DCL bar (and most bar tenders) for another mug ... filled with 22 ounces of beer, for the price of 16 ounces. You DO NOT have to carry a heavy beer mug around the ship ... DCL will issue you a clean, chilled mug the next time you want a beer (upon presenting your DCL beer card).
- If you want to bring the mug home, you may do so. However, don't forget to bring the mug with you on your next DCL cruise, to take advantages of the 22 ounces, for the price of 16. A beer card is much easier to transport home ... it's up to you as to whether you want to bring home a mug.
- If you turn in your mug, NEVER throw away your DCL beer card, as it is good forever (subject to change, as with anything in life). I keep my beer card in my lanyard ... as I never know when I would like a beer. When I get home, I place the beer card with my passport, or with my DCL folio (for future use).

 

[boundfordisney]

hi there hopeing to book this cruise tomorrow! will be just dh and I which will be a first time travelling without any grandkids in tow! Wow you ve been on alot of cruises! We sail on the fantasy in 3 weeks and San Jaun is one of the ports so will be able to see a little of where the future cruise departs from! Taking 2 grandkids along 17 and 16 and cant wait to be onboard he fantasy for the first time. Will let you know tomorrow how the booking went !

 

[LocustPoint]

I can now say I'm officially apart of this cruise! It will be my DH Tom and myself! I'm really excited about this itinerary.

 

[4boons]

DW and myself are currently booked on the Sep. 27th Souther Caribbean cruise with y'all.

There will only be 2 of the 4boons, DW - Laura and me - Bill, the other 2 Boons will be stuck in class in Mankato, MN and Norman, OK.

We were able to snag room 7620, one of the partially obstructed veranda rooms.

Bill

 

[sdlong329]

We sail on the fantasy in 3 weeks and San Jaun is one of the ports so will be able to see a little of where the future cruise departs from! Taking 2 grandkids along 17 and 16 and cant wait to be onboard he fantasy for the first time. Will let you know tomorrow how the booking went

If I can make a suggestion ... call your T/A (or DCL) ... request Radoslav (Rado) Hristev (from Bulgaria)as your server for your upcoming Fantasy cruise (he is on the ship as we speak). He was our assistant server on the Maiden Voyage ... and us phenomenal. If you tell him you heard from STEVEN that he likes chocolate ... he will MOST CERTAINLY take extra special care of you!

We normally being 25+ pounds of chocolate to give out to servers and stateroom hosts (etc) as a daily thank you. You'd be surprised at how much a little bag of chocolate means to someone so far away from home. For our server, assistant server ... we give them a baggie at then end of dinner on the first night ... tell them it's a small token of our appreciation. We tell them we will keep bringing little treats each night, unless they tell me otherwise. For our head server ... we give them a baggie when they introduce themselves to us. Interesting enough, they ALWAYS make sure they visit our table each night. For our stateroom host ... we leave a baggie on the bed with their name on it (there is already 25 pounds of chocolate on the dresser, etc ... so I make sure they know we will leave a baggie for them every night (usually, just before we go to dinner). It's funny ... we leave chocolate for them ... and they leave DCL chocolate for us.

 

[sdlong329]

4boons and LocustPoint!

 

[sdlong329]

We were able to snag room 7620, one of the partially obstructed veranda rooms.

GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE ... we are 7120!

 

[boundfordisney]

Thanks Steven for the info on Rado, I will call DCL today and put in the request! Wow Im glad Ive picked these dates as I see you have lots of info for the ports of call posted already, we will also be flying in for a few days before cruise so this will help alot! I see you are dvc members at okw, we are staying there for the first time 2 nights prior to our cruise in 3 weeks, but are not dvc members. Booked a 1 bedroom and look forward to seeing this resort. Look forward to chatting with you and the others here, while we wait for the cruise in 2014 , seems like such a far ways off but this one is sure gonna be worth the wait!

 

[boundfordisney]

we are onboard! booked at 730 this morning cabin7134! Let the planning begin, good thing its a ways off with all these new ports Ive got a lot of reading to do!

 

[Polyluvr]

Hi We just booked this cruise !!!
We are Angel and Don sailing with our 2 boys ages at the time will be 13 and 9.

My daughter and her friend will also be sailing w us ~ Colleen and Erica ages 22 and 21 at that time they will be in cabin 6601~ DH, the boys and myself have a cat 9B booked ~but guarantee as those cabins only sleep 3, I was told .

So we're happy w a 9B or better

Happy planning !!! I will be celebrating my Bday on this cruise 9/26

 

[sdlong329]

Hi We just booked this cruise !!!
We are Angel and Don sailing with our 2 boys ages at the time will be 13 and 9.

My daughter and her friend will also be sailing w us ~ Colleen and Erica ages 22 and 21 at that time they will be in cabin 6601~ DH, the boys and myself have a cat 9B booked ~but guarantee as those cabins only sleep 3, I was told .

So we're happy w a 9B or better

Happy planning !!! I will be celebrating my Bday on this cruise 9/26

9B is one of my favorite categories ... mid-ship, and one deck below the main action on the ship! While everyone else is waiting for elevators for the Captain's Gala, or Lumiere's ... our stateroom is only a few brief steps away!

2/15/13 update:
9B sleeps either 3 OR 4 ... depending on the specific stateroom. Those which sleep 3, do NOT have the bulk stowed away in the wall. If your party consists of THREE, you will likely be placed in a stateroom which only sleeps THREE ... which will leave a SLEEPS FOUR available for another party, which may need a SLEEPS FOUR.

 

[sdlong329]

Thanks Steven for the info on Rado, I will call DCL today and put in the request! Wow Im glad Ive picked these dates as I see you have lots of info for the ports of call posted already, we will also be flying in for a few days before cruise so this will help alot! I see you are dvc members at okw, we are staying there for the first time 2 nights prior to our cruise in 3 weeks, but are not dvc members. Booked a 1 bedroom and look forward to seeing this resort. Look forward to chatting with you and the others here, while we wait for the cruise in 2014 , seems like such a far ways off but this one is sure gonna be worth the wait!

You will LOVE a 1 bedroom ... lots of space, and a full, dedicated kitchen. When we travel, it's usually only 2 adults, but we still opt for a 1BR. Once you get a taste of how nice DVC resorts can be, you will likely want to talk to a DVC representative on the ship. DVC normally gives the best deals to those on a cruise ship.

OKW was the very first DVC resort. It was planned like a condominium community ... with parking in front of each building. There is no real "grand lobby" ... but they still have a general store (including groceries), Olivia's restaurant, bar, fitness center. After you check in, make sure you take a few minutes to walk toward the water / dock / pier ... then turn left. There are several facilities on the left, on your way to the main swimming pool.

OKW has a ferry service to Downtown Disney ... it's a very nice, peaceful ride. At night time, you can get many excellent photographs of Saratoga Springs and DTD from the ferry boat. When returning to the resort, if the returning ferry's are filled to capacity, we opt for the shuttle bus.

If you want more information, or have other OKW questions, send me a PM ... I will give you my e-mail address or phone number.

Enjoy!

Steven

 

[Polyluvr]

Thanks for the welcome We have only sailed the Wonder~3 x ; but we always had a wonderful time !

This will be our 1st week long cruise and 1st time on the Magic

 

[sdlong329]

Once you have sailed on a 7-night cruise, you will likely prefer 7+ nights, or longer, as compared to 3 or 4 night cruises. You get much more time to relax, and enjoy your vacation. Sea Days are fabulous ... but it looks like we will only have one sea day on this cruise ... which is chock full of ports of call.


Since you had a WONDERful time on the Wonder ... I am sure you will have a MAGICal time on the Magic. I get a kick out of the cast members incorporating the name of the ship into their comments and well-wishes ... "have a MAGICAL day", etc.

Steven

 

[DisneyDee27]

]I am glad DCL is returning to the Southern Caribbean ... who else is in?

Please tell us a little about you and your cruise party ...
Number of adults ? 2 adults for now

Names of adults in your group? DeeDee & Christy

Ages of children in your party ? None yet possibly a 1 yr old by sail date which happens to be my birthday

General location of where you currently live? Ohio in the northeast

Castaway Club Level? Silver today Gold June 27th

Disney Vacation Club owner? Not yet

This cruise will be our 7th DCL cruise and our first time onboard the magic.
We're looking forward to sailing with you.

 

[4boons]

we are onboard! booked at 730 this morning cabin7134! Let the planning begin, good thing its a ways off with all these new ports Ive got a lot of reading to do!

Hi We just booked this cruise !!!
We are Angel and Don sailing with our 2 boys ages at the time will be 13 and 9.

My daughter and her friend will also be sailing w us ~ Colleen and Erica ages 22 and 21 at that time they will be in cabin 6601~ DH, the boys and myself have a cat 9B booked ~but guarantee as those cabins only sleep 3, I was told .

So we're happy w a 9B or better

Happy planning !!! I will be celebrating my Bday on this cruise 9/26

Welcome Aboard All.

These are ports that we have never been, so we will be looking to y'all for advice.

Bill

 

[DisneyDee27]

We also snagged a 7A verandah #7626. We were on the Fantasy in December of 2012. One of the ports was San Juan, PR it was beautiful. I'm excited to go back.
We are interested in staying one or two days before the cruise, so any hotel deals or locations would be great.
The Bacardi tour and the Old town tour were great. I highly recommend that tour if its available. The Forts were great and we ate at the cafe Puerto Rico which was delicious.

 

[4boons]

]I am glad DCL is returning to the Southern Caribbean ... who else is in?

Please tell us a little about you and your cruise party ...
Number of adults ? 2 adults for now

Names of adults in your group? DeeDee & Christy

Ages of children in your party ? None yet possibly a 1 yr old by sail date which happens to be my birthday

General location of where you currently live? Ohio in the northeast

Castaway Club Level? Silver today Gold June 27th

Disney Vacation Club owner? Not yet

This cruise will be our 7th DCL cruise and our first time onboard the magic.
We're looking forward to sailing with you.

Welcome aboard. Any advice on the Southern Caribbean would be greatly appreciated.

Number of adults ? 2 adults (the other 2 Boons are in college and will not be able to attend)

Names of adults in your group? Laura Boon and Bill Boon

Ages of children in your party ? None. This will be a "Rents Retreat". Our 2 daughters are in college. Oldest daughter at Minnesota State University Mankato studying Bio Medical Science and the youngest daughter at the University of Oklahoma studying Construction Science.

General location of where you currently live? Lubbock, Texas

Castaway Club Level? Platinum (12 cruises on DCL with 3 others on the books)

Disney Vacation Club owner? Yes. We were sold on DVC while doing laundry in the deck 7 laundry room on the Magic in 2005

Please tell us a little about you and your cruise party ... Let's see, I'm Bill Boon. After 32 years, I started when I was a soph. in college, I retired from the City of Lubbock where I was the Planning and Zoning Manager. Now I work on my own schedule doing real estate, planning and zoning consulting, saving permits that are in trouble, and helping developers get developments off the ground.

Laura Boon, my intelligent and extremely beautiful wife, is a marketing manager for IBM corporate and spends her days jet setting around the globe doing marketeering kind of stuff. I actually know more about what she does than I let on. Laura has worked for IBM for 26, almost 27, years.

Even though it feels like it was only yesterday that we got married, this April we will have been married for 22 years.

We both use the same DIS ID, 4boons, so there may be times you don't know who is posting. If there are spelling and grammatical errors, then the odds are it's me, Bill.

Interesting fact: During our first DCL cruise in 1999 they were filming the DCL vacation planning video for 2000. Our youngest was 5 and so excited while in Animator's Palate that a lady came over and asked us to be filmed for the video. During the filming the girls clamed up but they still filmed Laura and myself. So if any of you have the 2000 DCL marketing video, and you have a way to view it, you can see a much younger Laura and Bill.

We are looking forward to meeting everyone.

Bill

 

[DisneyDee27]

Leaving Puerto Rico

The view from the Castillo de Cristobal fort.